Stopper device

Abstract

To provide a stopper device that reduces the risk of damaging the rail that is being clamped. [Solution] The stopper device is configured such that the clamping means 6 does not directly contact the object to be clamped, and the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b are brought close to each other. Therefore, the risk of damaging the object to be clamped between the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stopper device, and more particularly to a stopper device applied to limit the movement range of a horizontal movement unit that drives the horizontal movement of a catcher in a crane game machine.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in FIG. 1, in a general crane game machine, a first horizontal drive member 11 and a second horizontal drive member 14 are installed at the upper part of the housing. The first horizontal drive member 11 includes a main movable part 111 configured to be movable along the front-back direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1 at the upper part of the housing, a sub-movable part 112 separated from the main movable part 111 in the left-right direction in the figure, and a horizontal rail ۱۱۳ spanned between the main movable part 111 and the sub-movable part 112. The second horizontal drive member 14 is installed on the horizontal rail 113 so as to be movable along the horizontal rail 113. In such a general crane game machine, in many cases, the movement of the catcher 15 suspended below the second horizontal drive member 14 in the horizontal direction (the front-back direction and the left-right direction in the figure) is driven by the first horizontal drive member 11 and the second horizontal drive member 14.

[0003] In such a configuration, the movement of the catcher 15 in the horizontal direction can be driven by the first horizontal drive member 11 and the second horizontal drive member 14, but there is a risk that the second horizontal drive member 14 itself or the catcher 15 suspended below the second horizontal drive member 14 and swingable may hit the housing and cause damage. To reduce this risk, for example, as shown in the figure, stoppers 16 are arranged on the main movable part 111 and the sub-movable part 112 to limit the movable range of the second horizontal drive member 14 in the left-right direction so that the second horizontal drive member 14 itself does not hit the housing, and even if the catcher 15 suspended below the second horizontal drive member 14 swings according to the inertial force, it does not hit the housing, thereby protecting, for example, the glass wall attached to the housing.

[0004] However, this configuration, in which the stopper 16 is placed, has the drawbacks of limiting the possible placement locations and affecting the overall appearance of the gaming device.

[0005] Patent Document 1, presented as a solution to this problem, provides a stopper that can be installed on the rail 25 that guides the movement of the horizontal movement unit, as shown in Figure 2. The stopper in Patent Document 1 is installed by placing a holding base 21 on which the shock-absorbing material 23 is placed on the rail 25 (corresponding to the horizontal rail 113 in Figure 1) on which the horizontal movement unit of the crane game machine (corresponding to the second horizontal drive member 14 in Figure 1) moves, thereby allowing the position on which the shock-absorbing material 23 is placed to be adjusted as needed.

[0006] Specifically, the stopper described in Patent Document 1 has a housing slot 211 formed in the holding base 21 through which the rail 25 can pass, an engaging block 22 that is fitted into the housing slot 211 and holds the rail 25 as it passes through the housing slot 211, and two adjustment screws 24 that fix the engaging block 22 to the holding base 21. The two adjustment screws 24 each pass through the engaging block 22 or the holding base 21 and contact the rail 25 as it passes through the housing slot 211 from above and below, fixing the rail 25 by clamping it. As a result, the engaging block 22 and the holding base 21 cannot move along the rail 25, and therefore the shock-absorbing material 23 placed on the holding base 21 is also fixed so that it cannot move relative to the rail 25.

[0007] With the configuration of Patent Document 1, the shock-absorbing material 23 of this stopper can be freely positioned at a desired location on the rail 25. However, the installation position cannot be changed without operating both the upper and lower adjustment screws 24, and space must be secured for the two adjustment screws 24. In particular, in crane game machines, the space at the top of the casing is limited, and because of the upper adjustment screw 24 that passes through the engagement block 22, it may be difficult to adopt this stopper at all. Furthermore, in this configuration, the two adjustment screws 24 contact the rail 25 from above and below, clamping and fixing the rail 25. Therefore, the area in contact between the adjustment screws 24 and the rail 25 is the area of ​​the tip of the adjustment screw 24. As a result, the frictional force required to clamp and fix the rail 25 may damage the rail 25, and this damage may prevent the provision of the frictional force required to clamp and fix the rail 25, meaning that it may become impossible to fix the holding base 21 to the rail 25. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Taiwan Utility Model Registration No. M609604 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a stopper device that improves at least one of the problems of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, this invention is a stopper device applied to a horizontal movement unit in a crane game machine, which can prevent the movement of the horizontal movement unit with an impact absorption unit. A first clamping arm and a second clamping arm that are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined height direction and both extend parallel to each other along a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the height direction, One of the clamping arms in the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm is connected to one end of the first horizontal direction, In a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the height direction and the first horizontal direction, the shock-absorbing units are adjacent to each other on the mounting base, It comprises at least one clamping means attached to the first clamping arm and extending along the height direction and passing through the second clamping arm, The present invention provides a stopper device configured such that the clamping means can be operated to bring the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm closer together.

[0011] In one embodiment, both the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are formed to have a main body portion extending along the first horizontal direction and an extension portion projecting from the main body portion along the second horizontal direction. Furthermore, on the sides of the main body portion and the extension portion of the first clamping arm that face the other clamping arm, clamping grooves extending along the second horizontal direction are formed so as to face each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] With the above configuration, the present invention uses a clamping means to bring the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm closer together. As a result, the rail of the horizontal movement unit of the crane game machine, which is clamped between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, comes into contact with the surface of the clamping groove formed on the side of each of the first and second clamping arms facing the other clamping arm, for example. By increasing the contact area, the holding and fixing effect due to frictional force can be improved, and the risk of damaging the rail clamped between the first and second clamping arms can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a stopper placed in the horizontal movement unit device of a conventional crane game machine. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the stopper device described in Patent Document 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of an embodiment of the stopper device of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first clamping arm in the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a front view corresponding to Figure 4, showing how the horizontal rail is held in place by being sandwiched between the first and second clamping arms of the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] To more clearly explain the purpose, technical means, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be clear that the embodiments described are some, and not all, embodiments of the present invention. Typically, the components of the embodiments of the present invention depicted and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided below in the accompanying drawings does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention, but merely illustrates selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figures 3 and 4 show an embodiment of the stopper device of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the stopper device of this embodiment is applied to the horizontal movement unit of a crane game machine, and the shock absorption unit 5 prevents the movement of the horizontal movement unit.

[0016] As shown in the figure, the stopper device of this embodiment includes a first clamping arm 3a and a second clamping arm 3b that are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined height direction Z and extend parallel to each other along a first horizontal direction Y that is perpendicular to the height direction Z. One of the clamping arms (the first clamping arm 3a in this embodiment) of the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b is connected to one end in the first horizontal direction Y, and in a second horizontal direction X that is perpendicular to both the height direction Z and the first horizontal direction Y, there is an installation base 4 where a shock absorption unit 5 is arranged adjacent to it. At least one (two in this embodiment arranged side by side along the first horizontal direction Y) clamping means 6 that is attached to the first clamping arm 3a and extends along the height direction Z and penetrates the second clamping arm 3b.

[0017] Also, in this embodiment, one shock absorption unit 5 is arranged adjacent to each of the two ends of the installation base 4 in the second horizontal direction X. However, depending on the installation location, it is also possible to arrange only one shock absorption unit 5 on one side. The two shock absorption units 5 are made of, for example, rubber or other shock absorption materials and are fixed to the installation base 4 by fixing means. As a specific means for fixing the shock absorption unit 5 to the installation base 4, for example, it can be designed to be removable using screws.

[0018] The two clamping means 6 in this embodiment are both attached to the first clamping arm 3a and have a threaded rod 61 that extends along the height direction Z and movably penetrates the second clamping arm 3b, and an operation part 62 provided on the threaded rod 61. By operating the operation part 62 to drive the threaded rod 61 and the first clamping arm 3a and / or the second clamping arm 3b, the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b can be configured to approach each other.

[0019] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in this embodiment, both the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b are formed to have a main body portion 31 extending along the first horizontal direction Y and an extension portion 32 protruding from the main body portion 31 along the second horizontal direction X. And on the corresponding surface 311 of each of the main body portion 31 and the extension portion 32 of the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b facing the other clamping arm, clamping grooves 331 extending along the second horizontal direction X are formed so as to face each other.

[0020] That is, in this embodiment, both the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b are formed to have two extension portions 32 protruding from the main body portion 31 along two opposite directions in the second horizontal direction X. The clamping grooves 331 formed in the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b are formed on the side facing the other clamping arm of the main body portion 31 and the two extension portions 32. At the same time, the (cross-sectional) shape of the clamping groove 331 is formed to correspond to the (cross-sectional) shape of the horizontal rail D (see FIG. 6) to be sandwiched between the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b. Also, in this embodiment, the screw rod 61 of each tightening means 6 is screwed and attached to the main body portion 31 of the first clamping arm 3a and passes through the second clamping arm 3b movably. And the operation portion 62 is fixed to the screw rod 61 on the side of the second clamping arm 3b (the lower side in the figure) so as to rotate together with the screw rod 61.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, this embodiment is mounted on the horizontal rail D of the horizontal movement unit in the crane game machine, and abuts against the horizontal movement unit moving along the horizontal rail D with the shock absorption unit 5, thereby preventing the movement of the horizontal movement unit.

[0022] When attaching the stopper device of this embodiment to the horizontal rail D, first position the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b on the upper and lower sides of the horizontal rail D in the height direction Z, respectively, so that the horizontal rail D is positioned between the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b. Then, align the clamping grooves 331 formed in the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b, respectively, with the horizontal rail D at the intended mounting location. After that, rotate the operating part 62 relative to the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b, and as shown in Figure 4, the tip of the threaded rod 61 will be positioned relative to the first clamping arm When the length of the threaded rod 61 shown in Figure 6 is exposed to the main body portion 31 of the first clamping arm 3a is changed from a relatively short length to a relatively long length, the screw-fit relationship between the threaded rod 61 and the first clamping arm 3a causes the operating portion 62 to move relatively towards the first clamping arm 3a, and the second clamping arm 3b is pressed against the first clamping arm 3a, bringing the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b closer together, allowing the horizontal rail D to be held between the clamping grooves 331 formed in the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b, respectively.

[0023] Thus, the stopper device of the present invention can limit the relative range of movement of the horizontal moving unit with respect to the horizontal rail D by freely fixing it at a desired position on the horizontal rail D.

[0024] Furthermore, since all operating parts 62 of each tightening means 6 can be located on the lower side in the height direction Z (i.e., on the second clamping arm 3b opposite the first clamping arm 3a to which the threaded rod 61 of the tightening means 6 is attached (screwed)), they can be installed even in locations with relatively limited space, and also offer excellent accessibility for operation.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the clamping grooves 331 formed on the side of the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b facing the other clamping arm, corresponding to the shape of the horizontal rail D, make surface contact with the horizontal rail D, thereby widening the contact area. This improves the holding and fixing effect by frictional force, and reduces the risk of damaging the horizontal rail D that is clamped between the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b.

[0026] Furthermore, since the shock absorption unit 5 is designed to be removable from the mounting base 4 using screws, for example, it is possible to change the size and material of the shock absorption unit 5 as needed.

[0027] Furthermore, unlike the above embodiment, a configuration can also be adopted in which, for example, the threaded rod 61 of the tightening means 6 is fixed to the first clamping arm 3a, the second clamping arm 3b is movably inserted along the height direction Z, and then the threaded rod 61 is screwed into the operating part 62 on the second clamping arm 3b side. That is, in this case, the threaded rod 61 is fixed to the first clamping arm 3a in such a way that relative rotation with respect to the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b is impossible. However, by moving the operating part 62 that screws onto the threaded rod 61 relative to the threaded rod 61, the second clamping arm 3b is brought closer to the first clamping arm 3a, thereby allowing the horizontal rail D to be held between the clamping grooves 331 formed in the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b, respectively.

[0028] In summary, the stopper device of this invention, instead of each clamping means 6 directly contacting the horizontal rail D, drives the relative movement of the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b to hold the horizontal rail D between the clamping grooves 331 formed in the first clamping arm 3a and the second clamping arm 3b, respectively. This widens the contact surface, reducing the possibility of damaging the horizontal rail D, and allows for more secure fixing to the horizontal rail D. Furthermore, since the operating part 62 can be placed only on the second clamping arm 3b side (or the first clamping arm 3a), it can be installed in locations with limited space, and also offers excellent accessibility for operation.

[0029] The above embodiments are illustrative in illustrating the principles and effects of the present invention and do not limit it. Those skilled in the art can make some modifications and alterations to the above embodiments, provided they do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all modifications and alterations made by those skilled in the art, provided they do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0030] 3a First clamping arm 3b Second clamping arm 31 Main body 311 Corresponding surface 32 Stretching section 331 Clamping groove 4 Installation stand 5. Shock absorption unit 6. Fastening means 61 threaded rod 62 Operation section Z (height direction) X Second horizontal direction Y First horizontal direction D Horizontal Rail

Claims

1. A stopper device applied to a horizontal movement unit in a crane game machine, wherein a shock-absorbing unit can prevent the movement of the horizontal movement unit, A first clamping arm and a second clamping arm are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined height direction and both extend parallel to each other along a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the height direction, An installation base is connected to one end of the first horizontal direction of one of the clamping arms in the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, and the shock absorbing unit is positioned adjacent to the second horizontal direction which is perpendicular to both the height direction and the first horizontal direction, It comprises at least one clamping means attached to the first clamping arm and extending along the height direction and passing through the second clamping arm, A stopper device configured such that the clamping means can be operated to bring the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm closer together.

2. Both the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are formed to have a main body portion extending along the first horizontal direction and an extension portion projecting from the main body portion along the second horizontal direction, and further, The stopper device according to claim 1, wherein on the side of the main body and extension portion of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm that faces the other clamping arm, a second clamping groove extending horizontally is formed so as to face each other.

3. Both the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are formed to have two extensions that protrude from the main body along two mutually opposite directions in the second horizontal direction. The stopper device according to claim 2, wherein the clamping grooves formed in the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are formed on the side facing the main body and the other clamping arm of the two extensions.

4. The stopper device according to claim 1, wherein one of the shock-absorbing units is adjacent to each of the second horizontal ends of the mounting base.

5. The device comprises at least two of the aforementioned clamping means, each of which is attached to the first clamping arm and includes a threaded rod that extends along the height direction and movably inserts the second clamping arm, and an operating part attached to the threaded rod, The threaded rod is screwed into the first clamping arm and attached, and the operating part is fixed to the threaded rod so as to rotate together with the threaded rod. By operating the aforementioned operating unit to drive the threaded rod and the first clamping arm and / or the second clamping arm, The stopper device according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are configured to be brought closer to each other.

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